How to move around like a local? Or maybe better not? There are a few possibilities in moving around, either the easiest, the fastest, or the cheapest way.
It always seems impossible until it's done. ~ Nelson Mandela
Moving from one city to another is very cheap if you take the local transportation. However, most tourists are afraid of that and choose the 'luxurious option': private taxis. We always did it locally, so here are the possibilities and some tips.
6 Tipps For Uganda Transportation
- The fastest: Boda Boda
- The safest: Private Taxi
- The most local one: Small taxi bus
- Always gamble the price!
- Don't accept tourist prices
- Inform yourself about the local prices
Boda Boda - the motorcycle taxi
It is the cheapest and fastest way to get around. They are everywhere, either waiting in small groups on the side of the road or simply driving around and waiting for a sign to be chosen. The problem is, though, you'll always get the 'Muzungu' prices, so the actual tourist prices, often double to three times more expensive than a local would pay.
So how to deal with that?
Know the average price! In general, one ride costs approx. 2.000 UgS, if you are two people on one Boda Boda then approx. 5.000 a ride. If the distance is more than 20-30 min. for sure, you have to put a bit of money on top. In addition, clarify the price BEFORE getting on the bike. Tell them what you want to pay and negotiate if they don't accept. If they are still not ok with it, move on to the next driver. After a few tries, you'll see what the best option is. Also, often they still complain afterward and are asking for more money. In the case of a helpful, sympathetic driver, we would tip him. Otherwise, it's not worth it to start a discussion. So give him the money as agreed and then leave. Most of the time, they don't do anything against that.
The Minibusses / Taxis
To go from one city to another, there are many minibusses, and they call taxis. Here we always had the same problem: they would mention a higher touristic price. It would always take some effort and time to discuss and move from one bus driver to another to finally convince them to pay a 'normal' or at least the lowest offered price.
Also, those busses always take more time to move around. If you take a seat, the bus will either wait at the station or drive around that area till all seats are complete. Without full load, they won't start going. So better plan in more time, and don't expect any on-time departures.
In general, for most people, it might be uncomfortable. You get a tiny seat, lots of people in one bus, and the ride will be along bumpy and dusty roads. Also, it's not common for tourists taking those busses, so people will stare at you and try talking to you. Besides that, don't leave the window open and your phone on your lap. It happened often enough that strangers would grab inside and take your stuff. We have always been careful, but some friends of mine needed to deal with the loss. While taking a minibus, many people will approach the bus and offer food and drinks vociferously whenever it stops for a short while. It looks similar to a family of ants crawling all in one direction and attacking their goal.
Private Taxi
Private taxis are waiting for you on every corner, incredibly close to the bus stations in the hope, you decide to take the more accessible and more comfortable transportation with them. Those taxis might be safer and faster compared to the other ones. But they are also pricy, so if you are ok with paying more, there is no reason you shouldn't choose this option.
Do you want to learn more about Uganda, its cities, and things to explore? Check out other blogs here.
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